Dane John Gardens

This is our go-to lodging when attending the opera at Glyndebourne. A wonderful, country house in Uckfield, set on beautiful, expansive private grounds. Comfortably and exquisitely furnished, it is always a pleasure to arrive and occupy the spacious common rooms and assigned bedrooms. As frequently encountered in England, old properties may lack some modern amenities Americans are used to like air conditioning and convenient USB charging ports. Televisions are dated; rooms do not have clocks. But rooms are spacious and elegant, with large, tall windows, some of which do not open. Our visit in July encountered unusual hot weather the first days of our stay. Our Nevill suite on the first floor (second floor in American parlance), with west-facing windows, reached almost 90 degrees F (32 C), making things unbearable. We located a fan, but it offered minimal respite. The Horsted Restaurant serves in two stylish rooms inside and on a terrace outside; tea is served there, in common rooms and on the terrace. The tiny eponymous bar may have been a former pantry. Or closet. Food is quite good, but service seems understaffed at times. Another shortcoming, servers deliver your food and fail ever to check back for comments or additional requests. Some training may be in order. Staff are extraordinarily friendly and helpful. Some staff members’ families have been associated with the property for many years in various capacities. In all, our latest stay was enjoyable and memorable.